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Proper septic system care and maintenance is vital to protecting public health and preserving valuable water resources. During the first-ever SepticSmart Week, Sept. 23-27, the U.S. EPA is encouraging homeowners to take action to ensure their septic systems are functioning properly. Nearly one quarter of all American households — more than 26 million homes — depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater.

Failure to maintain and service a home’s septic system can lead to system backups and overflows, which can result in costly repairs, polluted local waterways and risks to public health and the environment. Many septic system failures occur during the winter holiday season, so the EPA is encouraging homeowners to get their septic systems inspected and serviced now before licensed inspectors’ schedules fill up around the holidays.

“By taking a few small, simple steps to care for their home’s septic system, homeowners can help protect the health of their community and their local waterways, while preventing potentially costly repairs to their septic system that can occur if the system is not properly maintained,” said Nancy Stoner, assistant administrator for the EPA Office of Water.

Pass these SepticSmart tips along to homeowners so they can do their part:

Homeowners should have their system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have their tank pumped when necessary, generally every three to five years.

Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain, which can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.

Be water efficient and spread out water use. Consider fixing plumbing leaks and installing faucet aerators and water-efficient products that bear the EPA WaterSense label, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system if it hasn’t been pumped recently. Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

EPA’s SepticSmart program encourages proper septic system care and maintenance all year long, helping to educate homeowners about the need for periodic septic system maintenance and proper daily system use.

In addition to helping educate homeowners, SepticSmart also serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments, and community organizations, providing access to tools to help educate their clients and residents.